The Best of Spitsbergen

This 8-day route brings you intimately close to the natural colors of the polar region. Between icebergs, ice caps, and the sea ice, your adventure is interspersed with unusual excursions, such as outings in Zodiac inflatables at the early light of dawn. Sail in some of the world’s most spellbinding waters, gliding between fjords from glacier to glacier, traversing the polar landscape that has, in all its diversity, so enamored the greatest adventurers of all time.

Activities

Trip Type

Activity Level

Trip Snapshots

Day 1 Longyearbyen | Embark

Embark Le Boreal in Longyearbyen, the capital of the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago, located on Svalbard’s main island, and the northernmost territorial capital on the planet. With winter temperatures dropping to below 40°C, the landscapes of this mining town are simply breathtaking. The glaciers, the mountains stretching as far as the eye can see, and the untouched nature make you feel like you’re in completely unexplored territory.

Day 2 Bellsund Fjord

This moring head to the Bellsund Fjord to follow in the footsteps of the first explorers who came from the Norwegian coast, or those of the many fur traders seeking game and trophies. Boasting an astonishingly rich wildlife, the arms of the fjord separate to form two lush valleys.

Day 3 Magdalena Bay

Day 4 North West Spitsbergen National Park

Today sail to the North West Spitsbergen National Park, a safe haven for Arctic wildlife located on the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard. The park protects the smallest reindeer in the world, the Svalbard reindeer, as well as polar bears, millions of seabird colonies, the arctic fox, walruses, and whales. Remains of 17th-century whaling stations and graves scatter the park, as well as historic sites of failed expeditions to the North Pole. Another popular destination of the Ppark is the Troll and Jotun hot springs, the northernmost hot springs on earth.

Day 5 Monaco Glacier

Set sail to the northwest of the Svalbard Archipelago to visit the Monaco Glacier, probably one of Spitsbergen’s most beautiful and majestic. Named in honor of Prince Albert I of Monaco, a sailor, it stands as an impenetrable, blue-tinged jagged wall, the last glacier before reaching a latitude of 80° North. Imagine the sound of the ice cracking as it breaks free and crashes into the translucent water. To make the magical landscape even more perfect, you might be lucky enough to spot bears and whales, as these two animals have a special fondness for this area.

Day 6 North West Spitsbergen National Park

Day 7 Ny Alesund | Cross Fjord

Discover Ny Alesund, a former mining town that has been transformed into a scientific base. Founded in 1916, this small village was the departure point for many Arctic expeditions, including those of the famous explorer Roald Amundsen. Don’t miss a visit to the museum and its famous post office, considered to be the most northerly in the world. Cross Fjord reveals its typical Arctic setting, made up of plutonic rock and tundra. Experience the wild beauty of a remote land which many species of endemic wildlife have chosen as a haven.

Day 8 Longyearbyen | Disembark

1 Breakfast

Say farewell to your fellow passengers and Le Boreal crew and start your journey back home. Fly from Longyearbyen to Paris on a European airline.

Cruise, Flights & Transfers program rates are per person and also include:
• Flights Paris/Longyearbyen/Paris in economy class, on European airlines
• Meet and Greet by representatives at the destination airport
• Transfers to and/or from the ship and other services before and after the cruise according to detailed programs available upon request 10 months prior departure
* Flights are being studied and are subject to change until the flight plan is confirmed and this up to 3 months prior to each cruise

Cruise fares do not include:
• Any ground services before and/or after the cruise other than the ones mentioned in each “Cruise, Flights & Transfers” package and for which details are available upon request
• Pre or post cruise programs, overland programs or shore excursions mentioned in the cruise brochure
• Airport taxes (other than the ones included)
• Port and safety taxes
• Visa expenses and/or immigration reciprocity taxes if applicable
• Luggage handling
• Gratuities to onboard crew, local guides and drivers
• Optional Spa package to be booked prior to your departure
• Dives when authorized by local authorities and feasible with ship equipment and zodiacs. Rates: 70 € per standard dive; 80€ per dive when local equipment or staff must be used, 80€ for a “discover scuba dive” course. In order to participate to diving sessions, guests must have with them a medical certificate less than 1 year old and their up to date dive book.
• Beverages other than the ones mentioned
• Laundry services, hair salon and à la carte Spa treatments
• Personal expenses, on board medical consultations and drug prescriptions
• Cancellation/luggage/assistance/repatriation/medical insurance(s)

Please Note:Please do not forget to bring your medical certificates when it is required to participate in an expedition cruise.

These voyages include activities such as Zodiac® landings (sometimes wet landings), Zodiac® outings, moderate walks, to more active hikes accompanied by your expedition team of naturalist guides. Considering the nature of the programs, a reasonable level of mobility is required to enjoy these expeditions.

We Love to Talk Travel

Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!